If you asked the goats what to order at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, they undoubtedly would recommend the grass that’s growing up on the roof. This iconic Door County establishment is well known for the rooftop goats that graze leisurely as tourists below grab photos. But there’s much more to this restaurant than grazing goats. It has a great menu that’s anchored by a single item that’s wowed generations of hungry vacationers: the Swedish pancakes. Come along as we do a taste test of the menu at one of the best restaurants in Wisconsin!
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant has been a fixture in the heart of Door County for a very long time.
It was founded by its namesake, Al Johnson, back in 1949.
The restaurant was an immediate hit...
...and in the 1970s, Al renovated it by importing wooden logs from a building in Norway and adding a sod roof.
His friend, Wink Larson, a nearby apple grower, gave Al a goat named Oscar as a joke and placed the goat up on the roof.
It caught the attention of pedestrians and Al decided to use those cute goats as a marketing gimmick.
While the goats get the attention of visitors, the restaurant’s menu keeps people coming back.
It features a number of traditional Swedish favorites like Swedish meatballs and pickled herring.
But the Swedish pancakes are the big hit on the menu. And they are delicious!
You can order them with fresh fruit like lingonberries or strawberries, or even with maple syrup. Go traditional and also ask for some powdered sugar.
The restaurant hasn’t changed much over the years, which is a big part of its charm.
Sit down, relax, and enjoy a meal of Al Johnson’s delicious Swedish pancakes!
The restaurant is open all year long and includes Al’s Butik, a store that offers traditional men’s and women’s Swedish clogs, Scandinavian gifts, and more. You can learn more about the shop and restaurant on the official website for Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik, as well as on Al Johnson's Facebook page.
Have you ever been to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is one of the best Swedish restaurants in Wisconsin? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
While Sister Bay is a small town, there are plenty of things to do – here's some inspiration for your next trip. And regardless of where the road may take you, don't forget the snacks!
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wisconsin/sister-bay-wisconsin-is-easily-one-of-the-best-small-town-vacations-in-america/
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